ErikLundegaard.com - 'Superman,' 'Man of Steel,' and the US/UK Switcheroo

'Superman,' 'Man of Steel,' and the US/UK Switcheroo

In casting Zack Snyder's upcoming “Man of Steel,” they kept flying back-and-forth across the pond. The American becomes the Brit, and the Brit the American:

Superman, Kal-El, who was played by an American (Christopher Reeve), is now being played by a Brit (Henry Cavill).
Superman's father, Jor-El, who was played by an American (Marlon Brando), is now being played by a Brit/Kiwi (Russell Crowe).
Superman's nemesis, Zod, who was played by a Brit (Terrence Stamp), is now being played by an American (Michael Shannon).

Back in '78, the villains were British—as they were in “Star Wars”—because, I suppose, the Brits, even at that late day, were shorthand for “Empire.” Is that the U.S. now?

As for the Brits, they're our superheroes. The lastest incarnations of Batman (Wales, UK), Spider-Man (Surrey, UK), Thor (Melbourne, Aus.), Mr. Fantastic (Wales, UK), Charles Xavier (Port Glasgow, Scotland), Magneto (Killarney, Ireland), the Beast (Berkshire, UK), the Wolverine (Sydney, Aus.), and now Superman (Jersey, UK), are all British.

I guess America still has Iron Man (NYC) and Captain America (Boston). Not to mention Ghost Rider (Long Beach, Calif.). Which most people don't want to mention.

Here's the “Man of Steel” rundown:

General Zod in 1978 (UK) and in 2013 (US)

Kneel before Zod! Terrence Stamp (UK) in 1978 and Michael Shannon (US) in 2013.

Jor-El and Lara with baby Kal-El in 1978's "Superman"

Jor-El (US) and Lara (UK) with baby Kal-El in 1978's “Superman”

Jor-El and Lara with baby Kal-El in 2013's "Man of Steel"

Jor-El (New Zealand) and Lara (Israel) with baby Kal-El in 2013's “Man of Steel”

Superman looking at Lois in 1978's "Superman"

Superman (US) looking at Lois in 1978's “Superman”

Superman looking at Lois in 2013's "Man of Steel"

Superman (UK) looking at Lois in 2013's “Man of Steel”

Posted at 07:09 AM on Tue. Mar 05, 2013 in category Superman
Tags: Superman, Man of Steel, Christopher Reeve, Henry Cavill

COMMENTS

Myriam wrote:

The question I have is on their accents. Will Crowe have an American, Brit or Aussie one? And will Shannon keep his American accent, or do a British one? Because “Kneel before Zod” doesn't sound as awesome in an American accent, I'm sad to say.

Comment posted on Tue. Mar 05, 2013 at 07:44 AM

Erik wrote:

Do we want him saying it? Will fanboys wailing in misery if he doesn't? I'd like Zod to want more than subservience. He was never a particularly complex character, was he?

Comment posted on Tue. Mar 05, 2013 at 10:01 AM

Myriam wrote:

I want Zod to have more substance in the new film, but I still want him to want the son of Jor-El to kneel before him. Something about that sick, pompous requirement will make it better later on when Superman ends him.

Comment posted on Tue. Mar 05, 2013 at 10:55 AM

A Titanic Bowl of Oxtail Pho wrote:

I'm looking forward to seeing Michael Shannon go ballistic. It's always a treat, no matter what accent he uses!

Comment posted on Tue. Mar 05, 2013 at 11:22 AM

Erik wrote:

Was not a fan of Supes kneeling before Zod in “II.” From his perspective, Supes', it made no sense. Like a lot of things in that Richard Lester abomination.

FWIW, and not much, I'll be reviewing all the previous Superman movies before the new one is releaesd in June.

Comment posted on Tue. Mar 05, 2013 at 12:06 PM

Myriam wrote:

I will be reading it! I never saw the 2006 one; it looked terrible.

Are you going to review 'Smallville'? I watched it for a couple of years, but it got too goofy.

I am putting all my hopes into 'Man of Steel.' I will hopefully not get my butt kicked. From what I've read so far, it's going to be amazing. Weak link is relationship w/ Amy Adams/Lois Lane, but that's always a weak story line.